Director, Planner

DAC

Director, Planner leading upper-funnel media strategy for DAC, an international performance media agency. Developing integrated campaigns, measurement frameworks, and client-facing media plans across traditional and digital channels.

Posted 8/5/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois, New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $155,000 - $180,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expert-level knowledge in integrated media channels and tactics, with a strong ability to develop and execute full-funnel media plans. Proven experience in client relationship management, strategic leadership, and mentoring within media planning and buying.

Highest-signal resume keywords

8+ Years Media Planning ExperienceExpert-Level Knowledge of Integrated Media ChannelsProficiency with MRI Simmons, Pathmatics, Kantar, GWI, iSpot, GA4Strong Presentation SkillsClient Relationship Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Media PlanningMedia BuyingFull-Funnel Media MeasurementAudience IdentificationCampaign DevelopmentTactics and Methodologies KnowledgeDigital Media ExpertiseTraditional Media ExpertisePerformance ManagementStrategic Roadmap Development

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationMentoringRelationship BuildingCoachingGrowth Mindset

Tools & Technologies

MRI SimmonsPathmaticsKantarGWIISpotGA4Client CRM

Industry Keywords

Upper-Funnel MediaClient AccountsMedia InsightsVendor RelationshipsIndustry TrendsDigital/Streaming MediaProgrammatic AdvertisingExperiential MediaAudio/RadioPrint Media

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

DAC

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and integrate DAC’s upper-funnel media offering across linear/traditional and digital channels
Provide strategic leadership for client accounts and teach/train subject matter experts
Use MRI Simmons, Pathmatics, Kantar, GWI, Nielsen, iSpot, GA4, and client CRM data to identify audiences, media insights, and objectives
Create integrated, full-funnel media plans with Strategic Insights, Client Strategy, Media, and Creative teams
Establish full-funnel media measurement frameworks
Develop measurement solutions for awareness, brand lift, consideration, and other upper-funnel objectives
Lead annual and ongoing planning cycles, tactical development, optimization recommendations, quarterly business reviews, and strategic roadmaps
Research and vet upper-funnel media opportunities and present campaign ideas to clients
Serve as a client-facing upper-funnel media subject matter expert
Mentor junior team members and lead media planning talent through coaching, performance management, goal setting, recruiting, and retention support
Liaise with partners and vendors to plan and execute media
Support internal training by authoring materials and leading training sessions
Build relationships with publishers, platforms, networks, and partners
Create sales, pitch, marketing, and new business pitch materials; attend and present in pitches
Provide thought leadership through DAC content, conferences, and events
Demonstrate expertise in integrated media channels and consumer media behaviors
Stay current on industry trends and new vendors

Requirements

What you’ll need

8+ years of relevant experience in media planning and buying
In-depth understanding of media buying
Existing relationships with vendors, platforms, and publishers
Ability to form relationships with internal stakeholders
Comfort in traditional and digital media
Effective communication at all levels
Experience with enterprise-level client campaigns
Experience across multiple industry verticals preferred
Presentation skills, including material creation and in-room presentation
Solid knowledge of tactics, vendors, methodologies, industry trends, and topics
Growth mindset for expanding opportunities within the client base
Expert-level knowledge of integrated media channels and tactics
Working knowledge of TV, linear, local, digital/streaming, social, search, programmatic, experiential, audio/radio, print, OOH, and partnerships
Proficiency with MRI Simmons, Pathmatics, Kantar, GWI, iSpot, GA4, and client CRM data

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary
Comprehensive health benefits
Generous PTO
Wellness initiatives
Parental leave
Retirement saving plans
Continued learning and professional development opportunities
Supportive, collaborative, and casual work environment
Health benefits
Vision benefits
Dental benefits
Life benefits
Disability benefits
Financial benefits
Retirement benefits
Paid leave
Tuition assistance
Work-life programs
Employee assistance support